July 29 / 15.00 Ascot

15.00

Soft

Moet & Chandon International Stakes (Heritage Handicap)

  • Prize money: £77310
  • 0m 7f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 25 runners
ITV
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Moet & Chandon International Stakes (Heritage Handicap)

Runners: 25 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

13/2 (Won)

  • Win: £21.75
  • Place: £5.95

Form: 81-360 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Well suited by soft/heavy; won from Biggles at Doncaster (on stable debut) last November and did well to finish sixth in this year's Victoria Cup over C&D having come from a difficult position; had unsuitable conditions at Royal Ascot; major player granted an ideal surface and provided he takes well to first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(5)

26th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 3

16:25 Doncaster

Baradar

9st 11lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Won the International at Ascot and a 6.5f course handicap on soft at the St Leger meeting in a very good 2023 campaign; has failed to hit the same heights this year but now dangerously well handicapped and recent efforts have been a bit better.

11/1

6th

5

(6)

4th Oct 2024

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Baradar

9st 1lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: George Boughey

He's had a disappointing campaign but has dropped down the weights and took a big step back in the right direction in first-time blinkers (retained) when a close fourth at Ripon (6f, soft) last Saturday, having been slowly away; this course winner may be able to build on that latest performance.

6/1

4th

2

(10)

28th Sep 2024

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Ripon

Baradar

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: George Boughey

It's been a struggle for him so far this year, including back under favourable conditions at Doncaster 13 days ago, but he's down to a good mark and possible the switch to blinkers will pique his interest.

9/1

40/1

  • Place: £12.70

Form: 1-4420 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Still has low mileage but ran poorly on soft ground at Doncaster last Saturday, following a sound effort on good going at Redcar; ground conditions aside, chance partly depends on how well he takes to first-time headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(6)

28th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:45 Sandown

Hickory

9st 10lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Jamie Osborne

Third in this last year and improved form later in the season, finishing his campaign in fine form (on various ground); down the field at Ascot on recent return but he was hampered and may have needed the run; not discounted.

10/1

18th

13

(17)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Hickory

9st 5lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Jamie Osborne

Ended last season with a win and second-place finish, enhancing his good record at Ascot; two attempts at this race comprise a creditable fourth in 2024 and narrow success last year; impossible to dismiss, despite being an 8yo who is on another new career-high mark.

11/1

2nd

16

(4)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ascot

Hickory

8st 9lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Jamie Osborne

Came from well off the pace to win nicely over C&D a month ago, taking his form figures at Ascot to 23047131 and those were in fierce handicaps; only 3lb higher than last time and course form here is a big selling point.

7/1

16/1

  • Place: £2.55

Form: 6-2261 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Seems to handle any ground; two attempts at this prize include a narrow defeat in 2021; well handicapped under a small penalty for Newmarket win last Saturday and can't be dismissed; future mark 2lb higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

(10)

19th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:35 Ascot

Star Of Orion

8st 12lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Effective here (and on various ground); placed three times in a row this August/September (1m/7f) but only seventh of 18 in the Challenge Cup here (7f, soft) a fortnight ago and needs a bigger performance today.

33/1

10

(3)

5th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ascot

Star Of Orion

9st 4lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Returned in July from ten months off and has run well in his last three starts, third of nine at Sandown (7f, soft) last time, but he has managed to win only one of his last 25 starts and is still 5lb higher; addition of a tongue-tie needs to make a difference.

25/1

3rd

1

(2)

13th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:15 Sandown

Star Of Orion

9st 10lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Shaped well on reappearance (found trouble) and bang there in his subsequent races, over 1m at Newmarket and C&D 13 days ago (first-time cheekpieces); hard to offer any excuses on either occasion and, now 3-31, he's looking a hard horse to catch right.

100/30

12/1

  • Place: £4.10

Form: -51331 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Progressing well this season and collared Vafortino at York (7f, good) most recently, adding to his Thirsk Hunt Cup win (1m, soft); creditable third in the 7f handicap at Royal Ascot 2023 and close fourth in this contest last year; should go well again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

(11)

10th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

13:30 York

Northern Express

9st 1lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Michael Dods

7yo who hasn't been able to reproduce his very best form this season but he's dropped down the weights accordingly and there have been promising signs on his last few starts, finishing fifth of 17 over C&D (good to firm) in August and fourth of 14 at Ayr (1m, soft) last time; in the mix.

5/1

4th

2

(2)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

13:15 Ayr

Northern Express

9st 13lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Michael Dods

Former winner at this meeting; operating a little below his really smart best so far this year but his handicap mark has edged down and his latest fifth came in a strong 17-runner handicap at the York Ebor meeting (good to firm; has won on soft); eased another 1lb; contender.

11/2

40/1

Form: 077006 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Well treated on best form for previous trainers; present mark reflects his largely unconvincing record for current stable and, while this step back up to 7f may help, others are preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(1)

23rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Fools Rush In

9st 5lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Gained his second C&D success when winning off a 2lb higher mark in February but he's been down the field in four starts since, including when missing the break at Lingfield 27 days ago; return to form is needed.

8/1

10th

4

(7)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 6

16:42 Lingfield (AW)

Fools Rush In

9st 7lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: Ruth Carr

Well short of his best on his last three starts but he won off this mark at Southwell in early February (7f); capable on a good day but this isn't sure to be run to suit.

14/1

Form: 0-3440 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Defied this mark in similar event over C&D (good to soft) last October; not in same form since and still needs to prove he retains full ability aged nine; however, the return to this scenario may have positive effect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(6)

20th Dec 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:00 Kempton (AW)

Escobar

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

steadied start, towards rear

10/1

9th

8

(8)

9th Dec 2023

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Escobar

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

sweating, dwelt start, midfield on near side of group

14/1

8th

7

(11)

27th Oct 2023

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 2

18:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Escobar

9st 3lb

J: Neil Callan

T: David O’Meara

Veteran who's become hard to win with and been on the downgrade this year, coming 22lb down the weights; late in the day to be making his Tapeta debut in a new form of headgear and will need some luck if dropped in as usual from stall 11.

12/1

Form: 33-536 D

Last run: 102 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Has form on all types of ground; below par when last seen but may show the benefit of subsequent gelding operation; won off this mark at Haydock (7f, soft) last July and was placed twice at this course, including in major 1m handicap, later in 2022; interesting each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(2)

28th Sep 2024

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Ripon

Tacarib Bay

9st 12lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Richard Hannon

raced far side

10/1

6th

2

(2)

15th Sep 2024

Good

0m 6f 111y

Class 2

16:15 Doncaster

Tacarib Bay

9st 5lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Richard Hannon

in rear

13/2

2nd

1

(3)

7th Sep 2024

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:55 Ascot

Tacarib Bay

10st 0lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Richard Hannon

Both turf wins on soft and won a Listed race on AW in November; ducks and dives regarding the trip but he nearly made his first 6f turf handicap a winning one at Goodwood recently; back up 4lb but has course form at 7f; interesting.

11/2

OUR TIP

Form: 2-3291 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Appears to handle any ground; has form figures of 211131123291 in 7f handicaps, most recently winning the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket in tidy fashion under Ryan Moore; nicely treated under a small penalty (future mark 2lb higher); holds solid and leading claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(1)

18th May 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Newbury

Biggles

9st 9lb

J: William Buick

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Very useful 7f handicapper for Ralph Beckett; won last year's Bunbury Cup (off 2lb lower); never landed a blow at Newmarket on stable/seasonal debut but shaped as if this return to 1m is worth exploring; has the ability to play a big role.

8/1

9th

3

(1)

18th May 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Newbury

Biggles

9st 9lb

J: William Buick

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Very useful 7f handicapper for Ralph Beckett; won last year's Bunbury Cup (off 2lb lower); never landed a blow at Newmarket on stable/seasonal debut but shaped as if this return to 1m is worth exploring; has the ability to play a big role.

8/1

Form: 726-20 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Useful on his day; possibly unsuited by the surface (good to firm) in 7f handicap at Royal Ascot most recently but finished last of 29 and is hard to support after that poor effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(8)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 2

16:30 Redcar

Rhythm Master

9st 12lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Geoffrey Harker

Mostly creditable efforts in 2025 and he won at Thirsk (7f, good to firm) in August; Chester's extended 1m2f possibly stretched his stamina last time; could bounce back but as a 7yo he's more exposed than some of these.

10/1

7th

3

(2)

13th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 3

16:00 Chester

Rhythm Master

9st 8lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Geoffrey Harker

Modest strike-rate of 3-37 but his last win was at Thirsk (7f) last month and he ran another good race when a close third at Newmarket (1m) last time; now goes into unknown territory at this trip but he ran well over 1m1f in July and he's not ruled out; acts on good to firm and good to soft.

9/1

Form: 2-6754 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Something to prove on soft/heavy; useful hold-up performer whose respectable efforts in the Royal Hunt Cup and Bunbury Cup show he retains plenty of ability aged nine; went very close off this mark in this race 12 months ago; enters calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(3)

6th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 3

17:20 Newcastle (AW)

Bless Him

9st 10lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: David Simcock

Veteran whose losing run goes back to his success in the 2022 Bunbury Cup; down the field in two races at Kempton since returned to AW but his Newcastle record (1213) offers hope for a revival.

16/1

4th

7

(3)

6th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 3

17:20 Newcastle (AW)

Bless Him

9st 10lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: David Simcock

Veteran whose losing run goes back to his success in the 2022 Bunbury Cup; down the field in two races at Kempton since returned to AW but his Newcastle record (1213) offers hope for a revival.

16/1

11th

10

(3)

20th Nov 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:30 Kempton (AW)

Bless Him

9st 0lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: David Simcock

Veteran hold-up performer who is now 8lb lower than when third in the Victoria Cup in May; capable but he'll need everything to go his way to win.

33/1

Form: -04100 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Acts on soft and good to firm; had a solid record over this trip until disappointing in major handicaps the last twice; those two duck eggs don't reflect his best ability but they certainly temper enthusiasm.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(4)

23rd May 2026

Good To Yielding

0m 6f 0y

15:05 Curragh

Montassib

9st 5lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: William Haggas

Late-maturing type won the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock (good) in 2024; did not appear last year until September and failed to recapture his best form in three runs, only fifth behind Spycatcher when favourite at Doncaster on last of them; reversed that form (and had James's Delight behind) when fourth in a 6f Listed race at the same venue eight weeks ago.

4/1

4th

9

(1)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 1

13:50 Doncaster

Montassib

9st 10lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Arrives late on the scene and had a stellar 2024, his three wins including this race (soft) and the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock (good); wasn't seen last year until September and didn't fully fire in three runs, only fifth behind Spycatcher when favourite over C&D on last of them; dangerous if rebounding but has to prove he retains all his ability.

4/1

9

(3)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:05 Ascot

Montassib

9st 4lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Made the leap from top handicaps to Listed/Group races last season, winning the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock (6f, good) by a head from Kind Of Blue, before finishing fifth to that rival in this event; 11 months off when an encouraging third of 11 in Group 3 at Newbury last month, getting going too late on his first attempt at 5f; that run suggests he retains all his ability and he's a serious candidate four weeks on.

11/2

Form: -32302 CD

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Sound performances in last two runnings of the Victoria Cup over C&D (good/soft), winning in 2022 and third in 2023; largely consistent this term and nearly held off Northern Express at York most recently; likely player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 00-505 CD

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Has form on all types of ground; well suited by Ascot and completed a notable C&D double last term, the first leg in this race when holding on narrowly; last-time-out fifth in the Wokingham sets him up nicely for another International crack; respected off a workable mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(1)

30th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Fresh

9st 11lb

J: Arron D’Arcy

T: James Fanshawe

Useful handicapper on his day and 4lb lower than when winning at his beloved Ascot (6f, soft) in September last year, but hasn't shone in three starts on turf/Tapeta since returning in June.

14/1

10th

2

(1)

30th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Fresh

9st 11lb

J: Arron D’Arcy

T: James Fanshawe

Useful handicapper on his day and 4lb lower than when winning at his beloved Ascot (6f, soft) in September last year, but hasn't shone in three starts on turf/Tapeta since returning in June.

14/1

7

(15)

6th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:25 Ascot

Fresh

9st 9lb

J: Arron D’Arcy

T: James Fanshawe

Four of his five wins have come at Ascot, including when registering his only win since 2022 in the corresponding race 12 months ago; that was run at a crawl though and subsequent efforts don't suggest he is the answer.

16/1

Form: 762673 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Well exposed and only 1-13 for current stable; however, looks capable of a good run, having finished sixth of 29 in the 7f handicap at Royal Ascot three starts ago; creditable third at Newmarket (1m) last Saturday.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(9)

14th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Newmarket

Bopedro

9st 0lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

10yo who won this in 2023; frequently runs well in quality handicaps and he's 5lb lower than when a cracking third in the Royal Hunt Cup last June; scratched from the Lincoln when running a temperature on his intended comeback last month and he tends to improve for a run these days; also winless since 2023.

15/2

11th

2

(1)

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:17 Newmarket

Bopedro

9st 12lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

9yo who has drawn a blank since winning on the July Course in summer 2023 and needs everything to drop right but he often runs extremely well in defeat, including when third in the Royal Hunt Cup in June; another respectable effort when sixth of 20 in Balmoral at Ascot (1m, good) a fortnight ago; not discounted in this slightly easier race.

6/1

Form: 230400 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Capable of useful form but came up well short in two handicaps at Royal Ascot (7f/6f) last month, taking record for current yard to 0-15; opposed in another hot contest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(11)

10th Aug 2023

Soft

0m 7f 16y

Class 2

20:30 Chepstow

Spirit Of Light

9st 1lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Ian Williams

Yet to win in Britain and comes here after finishing well down the field in three valuable, big-field handicaps at Ascot this summer (6f-7f); on a good mark now but needs a good boost from the first-time visor.

20/1

0

11

(16)

29th Jul 2023

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Ascot

Spirit Of Light

9st 3lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Ian Williams

Capable of useful form but came up well short in two handicaps at Royal Ascot (7f/6f) last month, taking record for current yard to 0-15; opposed in another hot contest.

50/1

18th

11

(1)

24th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Spirit Of Light

9st 2lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Ian Williams

Both wins in UAE but he ran to a useful level over 7f at Newmarket in April and did well to get as close as he did when a hampered fourth to Bielsa at York in May (6f, good); raced in the disadvantaged group when well adrift here on Thursday; still one to be interested in.

33/1

20/1

Form: 04-035 D

Last run: 77 days

W: 9st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Veteran who has been absent since a respectable fifth in the Victoria Cup over C&D (soft) 11 weeks ago; retains a useful level of ability aged ten but lacks recent winning form, being on a two-year losing spell.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

1

(4)

27th Oct 2023

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 2

18:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Safe Voyage

10st 0lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John Quinn

Done most winning round easy, turning courses, so has that in his favour; isn't as consistent now, which is no surprise given his age, but retains most of his ability and is fine on Tapeta; the harder they go the better for him.

8/1

4th

2

(9)

30th Sep 2023

Soft

0m 7f 212y

Class 2

16:25 Haydock

Safe Voyage

10st 0lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John Quinn

Veteran now but he ran really well in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (1m) and the Victoria Cup at Ascot (7f) in the spring and took advantage of a slight drop in grade at Chester (7.5f) last time, underlining how well he goes on soft ground; has an excellent course record and should remain very competitive after a 5lb rise.

11/2

Form: 131-10 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Generally progressive on turf/AW until seemingly having his limitations exposed to some extent in the 7f handicap at Royal Ascot last month; something to prove off same mark in another major prize.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

16

(11)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Newbury

Lir Speciale

8st 6lb

J: William Cox

T: Brian Ellison

Ended his 2025 campaign with a heavy-ground 7f double at Doncaster; better form this season when third of 22 to Mezcala in the Spring Mile at same track (good to soft) and close third at Chester (7.6f, good) ten days ago, but he's edging back up the weights.

16/1

3rd

13

(8)

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 127y

Class 2

14:05 Chester

Lir Speciale

8st 6lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Brian Ellison

Ended his 2025 campaign with a heavy-ground 7f double at Doncaster; underlined how well he operates on Town Moor with a good third of 22 in the Spring Mile (good to soft) on reappearance in March; claims if he can reproduce that sort of form at Chester (first visit).

16/1

3rd

16

(9)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Doncaster

Lir Speciale

9st 4lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: Brian Ellison

Ended his 2025 campaign with a heavy-ground 7f double that took his overall record at Doncaster to 3-3; acts on any going and has been very competitive (223) in 1m races on turf; respected kept to this track.

9/1

33/1

Form: -70409 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Ready winner of last year's Golden Mile at Goodwood but had a favourable draw and everything went right; far from solid on 2023 form which includes two heavy defeats in big handicaps here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(3)

27th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Orbaan

9st 12lb

J: Sean Levey

T: David O’Meara

Veteran who dipped into a seller for his latest win, at Beverley (8.4f, good to firm) in July; current handicap mark is workable but his AW strike-rate is 0-13 and he needs to rebound from two down-the-field runs.

16/1

2

(3)

27th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Orbaan

9st 12lb

J: Sean Levey

T: David O’Meara

Veteran who dipped into a seller for his latest win, at Beverley (8.4f, good to firm) in July; current handicap mark is workable but his AW strike-rate is 0-13 and he needs to rebound from two down-the-field runs.

16/1

6

(11)

14th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 4

16:00 Lingfield (AW)

Orbaan

9st 9lb

J: J F Egan

T: David O’Meara

Veteran who won a Beverley seller in July; some fair handicap runs since but others may have his measure back on AW (0-12 in this sphere).

12/1

Form: 4-0102 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Has gone well in races of this nature on several occasions, most recently second to Biggles in the Bunbury Cup; however, has underperformed twice in this contest and his strike-rate remains modest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

6

(10)

27th Jul 2024

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Ascot

Ropey Guest

9st 7lb

J: Tom Queally

T: George Margarson

Regular participant in major handicaps; best effort this season when fifth in the Victoria Cup over C&D; however, he's thoroughly exposed and has a poor record (form figures 000) in this contest.

25/1

9th

5

(3)

13th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

16:00 Newmarket (July)

Ropey Guest

9st 10lb

J: Tom Queally

T: George Margarson

Has form figures of 822 in this contest; however, faces a harder task off current mark (5lb higher than 12 months ago) and it's unlikely he's getting better now aged seven.

16/1

Form: 2-7948 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Has won on good to soft but may ideally need faster ground; conditions aside, looks poised to hit top form having performed respectably twice at Royal Ascot (7f/6f) last month and bearing in mind he was 4-4 last July; interesting contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

3

(10)

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 3

16:45 Chester

Spangled Mac

9st 8lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Campaigned back in Bahrain since December, best efforts when placed twice over 6f; well treated on historical data but hasn't won a domestic race since 2023; returns to 7f for first time since last July.

25/1

14

(9)

14th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 111y

Class 2

15:00 Doncaster

Spangled Mac

8st 10lb

J: Grace McEntee

T: George Boughey

Returned to form when third of 14 at Thirsk (6f, good) recently and he retains the same mark, which is 6lb lower than when 3l fourth of nine in this last year (soft); might not be far away.

14/1

3rd

2

(13)

29th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:38 Thirsk

Spangled Mac

9st 10lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Won a 6f handicap in Bahrain in January; down the field in three runs back in Britain this summer (after a wind operation) and although he dropping down the weights, others appeal more.

14/1

25/1

Form: 900210 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
All wins over 6f, the most recent here (soft) 15 days ago; Bunbury Cup defeat (the following day) took his 7f form figures to 0620; return to Ascot may suit but he's the only runner who has never won at this trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

7

(2)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Popmaster

9st 7lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Ed Walker

Campaigned on AW since December, proving consistent until coming up a tad short on finals day last time; has loads of Ascot form but three defeats in this race (finishing positions 074) suggest he can be opposed, especially now aged eight.

33/1

7th

4

(2)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Popmaster

9st 2lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Ed Walker

Arrives in fine form, beating The Lost King at Kempton in February and runner-up on his two runs since; sneaking back up the weights and he was only fifth in this race 12 months ago off today's mark.

20/1

Form: 23-391 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Acts on soft and good to firm ground; respectable ninth in the Britannia at Royal Ascot, then justified favouritism at Haydock on the drop back to 7f; carries only a small penalty for that win; this 3yo is open to further progress and looks one for the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

23th

21

(5)

19th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Ramazan

9st 3lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard Fahey

Has left an imprint on some of the best-known handicaps, such as when only just losing out in the Victoria Cup over C&D (good) in May 2024; has not aspired to those heights in 2025 but he's 9lb lower than for the aforementioned run and promising Warren Fentiman claims 5lb; one to keep an eye on.

12/1

11th

5

(10)

14th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:42 York

Ramazan

9st 6lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Richard Fahey

Numerous fine efforts in top handicaps, runner-up in the 2023 Ayr Gold Cup and filling the same berth in last year's Victoria Cup and Great St Wilfrid; not sparkled in two 7f handicaps this season but he's dropped a handy 5lb and his rider claims a valuable 3lb too; better expected this time.

10/1

11th

5

(10)

14th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:42 York

Ramazan

9st 6lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Richard Fahey

Numerous fine efforts in top handicaps, runner-up in the 2023 Ayr Gold Cup and filling the same berth in last year's Victoria Cup and Great St Wilfrid; not sparkled in two 7f handicaps this season but he's dropped a handy 5lb and his rider claims a valuable 3lb too; better expected this time.

10/1

Form: 34-743 C

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Several respectable efforts since winning from Star Of Orion at Newmarket last August; however, proved unable to confirm the placings with that rival at same course last Saturday; due to drop 2lb in future.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(4)

31st Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Mitrosonfire

9st 7lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Losing spell goes back to 2022 and he's only 1-15 on AW; absent since last June; not the percentage call, unless the market suggests a big effort is on the cards.

12/1

8th

4

(4)

31st Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Mitrosonfire

9st 7lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

in touch with leaders, short of room and dropped to midfield after 1f, weakened over 1f out

12/1

5th

7

(5)

27th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:30 Newmarket (July)

Mitrosonfire

9st 2lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

On a long losing run but he's well handicapped on last year's best efforts and was beaten just a neck at Leicester (7f, soft) last time on his second start back from a break; has won twice here (6f/7f, good to firm) and it's a course that often brings out the best in him; firmly in calculations.

13/2

Form: -23165 C

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Campaigned mainly in lower grades; generally in good form this season and acts well at Ascot (first and third in two visits); however, has something to prove at this level and with usual cheekpieces removed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

10

(2)

22nd May 2026

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:52 Goodwood

Mister Bluebird

9st 4lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Heather Main

Went close at Musselburgh (7f, good) last time, showing he retains full ability aged eight; dual winner at Goodwood and may remain competitive; gained last three wins on soft ground.

8/1

2nd

2

(2)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

17:45 Musselburgh

Mister Bluebird

9st 8lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Heather Main

Well beaten on reappearance at Newcastle (6f, AW) 30 days ago and needs to be an entirely different proposition today; however, he's on a competitive mark on last season's best efforts and his C&D form figures read 123, with all three of those runs coming in cheekpieces (which go back on).

10/1

50/1

Form: 12-974 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
One of two 3yos in the field; best effort this term when fourth in Class 4 event over C&D (good to soft) two weeks ago; however, goes into much deeper waters this time and looks badly treated (future mark 6lb lower).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

(7)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 210y

Class 6

16:23 Brighton

Zu Run

9st 1lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Mark Loughnane

First visit here proved a winning one when taking handicap over this trip (good to firm) last May; flopped on his second go one month later and only bits and pieces of form since; career-low mark and cheekpieces (0-3) make a return after two-year absence.

10/1

9th

5

(2)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

20:45 Doncaster

Zu Run

9st 7lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Mark Loughnane

His last win was at Brighton (7f, goof to firm) last May but that was off 11lb higher and he's shown signs of a revival on Tapeta recently; should get a good tow into this race and could be dangerous back on turf.

7/1

6th

2

(6)

23rd Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

16:50 Wolverhampton (AW)

Zu Run

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Mark Loughnane

Won a Brighton handicap off 9lb higher last May but he's finished down the field in ten runs since; he wasn't beaten far over C&D ten days ago but overall record is now 3-38 and others are preferred.

9/1

Non-runners

Nizaaka, Top Secret

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £1625.10
Straight Forecast £702.55
Tricast £11050.53
Trifecta £28215.80

Selections

The Times:

Ramazan

The Guardian:

Vafortino

SPOTLIGHT:

Fresh

POSTDATA:

Biggles

TOPSPEED:

Safe Voyage

The Star:

Star Of Orion

RP RATINGS:

Baradar

LAMBOURN:

Top Secret

Daily Mirror:

Ramazan

The Sun:

Ramazan

D Express:

Vafortino

Daily Record:

Vafortino

NEWMARKET:

Fresh

Daily Mail:

Fresh

Telegraph:

Biggles

THE NORTH:

Safe Voyage